Phuket welcomed more than 6 million international tourists in the first five months of the year, with Russians being the largest group.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) Phuket office, Russian tourists made up the most significant share of international arrivals to the resort island from January to last month, followed by Chinese, Indians, Australians, and Kazakhs.
In the first five months of the year, 6 million tourists injected at least 196 billion baht (about US$ 5.6 billion) into the economy.
As the rainy season, also known as the green season, is here, international arrivals may decrease slightly. According to TAT, tourists from Europe, Scandinavia, and America may decrease during the low season. However, Phuket will likely see more visitors from nearby destinations such as India, the Middle East, and Taiwan. Additionally, more flights from Taiwan and Vietnam to Phuket are expected this season.
TAT works intensively with hotels, travel agents, and other tourism industry stakeholders in Phuket's hospitality sector to promote tourism on the island in the future.
Phuket hopes to welcome 12 million tourists this year, up from 9.2 million last year. To support the industry, the TAT office in Phuket will organize promotional campaigns to attract more tourists, including domestic travelers, to the island. In addition, Phuket will also host several international water sports events during the low season.